New Cuteness Overload as 1700 Pound Ocean Potato named “Inigo” Joins “Lil Joe” at SeaBase in Epcot. If you haven’t been over to World Nature in Epcot recently, you may have missed out on some rather large changes. Disney has moved around some of the wildlife at SeaBase at the Manatee Rehabilitation located on levels 1 and 2.
Lou, the 2000-pound ocean potato, who was in care after a boat strike has been relocated, a few days after his move, Disney brought in another manatee that needed some rest and recovery. Inigo a 1700-pound mass of lettuce-eating flesh has joined Lil Joe in Seabase. These moves are for the health and well-being of the animals.
“For decades, Walt Disney World has provided extraordinary care for thousands of fish and marine mammals – including dolphins and manatees that have served as ambassadors for their species, inspiring us about marine mammals and aiding in conservation and research efforts. As we look to the future of The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT, we are making some changes that require careful thought, prioritizing the wellbeing of these sensitive marine mammals,” Disney said
Above – You got me on which one is which! From above they are giant grey flesh bags of Sea Cow! I hope I am not offending Manatees by using these jokes.
These are not the only changes coming to The Seas With Nemo & Friends and SeaBase. On October 20th, Disney will stop doing DiveQuest for some time, and Disney Dolphin in Depth will permanently be removed since the 3 dolphins will be moved to Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park in Fort Walton Beach. The changes are part of the overall recommendations from the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services.
Related: Dr. Mark at Disney Gives Thanks to Cast Members plus an Update on the Animals at Disney World
Manatees – Disney Animals – “No wake zone” ahead! Slow down to take in the grace of these large water-dwelling mammals.
Manatees at Walt Disney World Resort
Relatively solitary animals, West Indian manatees float through tropical and subtropical estuaries, tranquil rivers, and coastal waters in search of food and warm water sources. They’re native to the East Coast of the United States, Central America, and South America.
You can see the West Indian manatee at The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT. Over the years, injured manatees have taken up residence at SeaBase for rehabilitation following near-fatal boat strikes that impeded their ability to survive in the wild. Others arrived to stabilize after experiencing cold stress.
Home Away From Home
Most manatees at The Seas Pavilion are here for a temporary stay. They’re carefully monitored and expertly cared for—with the goal of being returned to the wild after an appropriate amount of rest, recovery, and rehabilitation.
Here’s an inside look at the lives of these manatees:
- Prepped for Takeoff: To ensure that the natural instincts of visiting manatees remain intact for their eventual release, manatee training is minimal. The training they do receive allows them to participate in their own recovery and makes it easier for Disney animal care experts to monitor each manatee’s progress.
- Keeping Track: Even after they are released, these mighty mammals are carefully tracked and monitored to ensure that they are migrating and socializing as they should be.
- “Lettuce” Eat: The manatees at The Seas Pavilion enjoy the same high-quality produce that’s served to our Guests! They eat nearly 100 heads of lettuce a day—a food that’s similar to the floating plants they consume in the wild. While this lettuce offers all the nutrients they need, additional foods like carrots, apples, and sweet potatoes are incorporated into their diet as a form of enrichment.
Disney Conservation: Saving Manatees
West Indian manatees face several threats, including watercraft strikes, pollution, and loss of groundwater due to human activities.
The Walt Disney Company is committed to saving wildlife and protecting the magic of nature together as a global community. The Disney Conservation Fund* supports organizations and communities working to protect spaces for people and wildlife across manatee habitats around the world.
